Threshold patio and brick air vents

[Philip Jeffery]

We have had a new extension and would now like to put a new patio that is level with the threshold of our sliding doors.

 

There are air bricks fitted underneath the new sliding doors - These go through ducting in the extension to the front of the house (There are additional air bricks at the front of the house).

 

Is there a solution that would allow me to fit a patio whilst not blocking these air bricks? I would need to install a drainage channel along the front of these doors as well.

 

My simple solution would be to use a hi-slot drain channel then cut a slot to allow ventilation - Obviously the biggest risk here is water from the drain flooding the air brick, but the slot would need to be so high that this wouldn't happen.

 

I'd appreciate any other ideas that you might have

 

 

[Philip Jeffery]

38 minutes ago, Sarahtalkstimber said:

The hi-slot drain idea could work if you’re confident the slot stays well above any overflow risk. You could also look at air brick covers or ventilation grills that integrate with the paving, there are metal ones made for situations like this that let air through but keep water out some even connect directly into drainage channels.

Another option is to create a narrow gravel channel or recessed vent trench right in front of the air bricks with a grill over it, just to maintain airflow while letting the patio sit at the right level.

Thanks for the reply - Can you share any links to these products, I've been Googling but just want to make sure I'm looking at the same thing your thinking about

[Nickfromwales]

If the intended patio has a step at the perimeter, then you could just duct that air brick out to meet that. The ACO drain would just stop and start either side of it with the ‘lid’ flying over (continuously) so you don’t see the break. 

[JohnMo]

Do decking instead?

[sgt_woulds]

43 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

Do decking instead?

 

Papers on legs?

 

[Russdl]

+1 for the pedestal option. 
 

I put an ACO drain up against the house and underneath the patio.
 

My pedestals are sat on the ACO and the tiles on top of the pedestals, finishing within 10mm of the window frames. No visible drain. 

[Selexus]

1 hour ago, sgt_woulds said:

 

Papers on legs?

 

 

I used these on my last house.

Would not go back to sand and cement, or other methods.

So easy to install and level.

 

Edited August 5 by Selexus

[Philip Jeffery]

3 hours ago, sgt_woulds said:

 

Papers on legs?

 

 

How big is the gap between the tiles?

 

I have seen these and think they look perfect - But the other half isn't convinced, think she prefers the traditional approach.

[sgt_woulds]

3 to 5mm.  Just big enough to allow a dropped credit card to disappear - ask me how I know... 🙂

 

But thankfully, easy enough to lift and replace without the homeowner noticing any changes! 

[Mr Punter]

I have used a slate hook to lift them up.  It just fits between the tiles, rotate and lift.

[Russdl]

Not much. Here’s ours being put together over a terrible sub base and the finished article from a few years ago.